To Alfa or not , that is the question

boardbrowser

Hoping for some advice here if you will oblidge me.
Looking to purchase an Alfa 156 2005 ( yet again, i'm a divil for punishment).
Car i'm considering requires a new variator and timing belt kit.
Any idea how much this might set me back for parts?

166man

Give Don Baker a call in Enfield, he's worked and is currently working on my own Alfas and is an Alfa specialist. Job is normally about €450-€500 I think.

biko

Depending on your location you may want to have a local Alfa guy look car over and let you know if anything else may need attention.

George Dalton

As above. Get a full inspection done before you buy. You'd be doing very well if the car only need the belt job done!

Manure

I hope you have plenty cheques left in the book, fine bucket of trash they are.

blackbox

George Dalton wrote: »

As above. Get a full inspection done before you buy. You'd be doing very well if the car only need the belt job done!

Just buy it, An inspection is sure to put you off. Alfas aren't for the rational.

bazz26

Manure wrote: »

I hope you have plenty cheques left in the book, fine bucket of trash they are.

What an appropriate user name.

166man

George Dalton wrote: »

As above. Get a full inspection done before you buy. You'd be doing very well if the car only need the belt job done!

As blackbox says, they ain't for the rational. The most important thing on the car is that the engine and gearbox are healthy. Service history of continuous oil changes are an absolute must. A recent NCT will give an idea of the road worthiness of the suspension too. Normally it's the too arms that go and they are €45 a corner.

My own one just ticked over 120k miles last weeks and is on for a suspension refresh.

biko

They can be the best and worst buy you made
Tbh, many of the old kinks are now gone but if you want 100% reliability get a Honda.
That said they do give you a lot of driving pleasure.

Manure got a warning for trolling.